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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2006
Long-term Climate
Solution Exists, Advisory Group Says
Focus must be on both energy use
and production,
action is required now
Report
Ottawa – Canada can simultaneously
make meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
promote its national interest, increasing productivity and competitiveness,
improving air quality and meeting the energy needs of our growing
economy, the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
(NRTEE) has reported in a new advisory document released today.
“This study is a first,” said NRTEE Chair
Glen Murray, who released the document at a news conference today.
“While other studies have raised general issues about how
climate change will affect Canada’s economy and environment,
this is the first detailed examination of what a low carbon future
might look like for Canada over the next half century or so (between
now and 2050).”
The National Round Table, an independent advisory
body reporting to the Minister of the Environment, focused on two
questions in this new report: How can Canada protect and enhance
its national interest with regard to energy and climate change issues
between now and the mid-21st century? And what do we need to do
right now to achieve this?
The study reports that:
- Even with a growing economy and increases in oil
sands production, Canada can lower greenhouse gas emissions over
the next 45 years by as much as 60 per cent from today’s
levels using existing technologies.
- Energy policy in the 21st century means addressing
both energy use and energy production –
or in other words, increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon
intensity.
- For energy use, increasing energy efficiency is
key – by doing so we could achieve approximately 40 per
cent of the overall 60 per cent reduction. The question is not
which technologies to deploy, but how to deploy all
of the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction technologies,
especially in the areas of personal and freight transportation,
and residential and commercial buildings.
- Canada’s growing role as a major energy exporter
is compatible with deep GHG emissions, but only if carbon capture
and sequestration (CCS) is perfected. Employing this technology
in the oil and gas sector could benefit Canada both environmentally
and competitively as a leading provider of energy to the world.
- To reduce GHG emissions by 60 per cent, the electricity
sector will need to be transformed between now and 2050. As with
the oil and gas sector, CCS and clean coal technology will play
important roles – and so will cogeneration and renewable
energy (particularly wind).
- Reducing GHG emissions will also bring significant
air pollution reductions and other benefits.
“A key finding of this report is that a clear,
long-term signal is needed to spur immediate action on the priority
issues identified, so the significant opportunities reflected in
our scenario can be realized,” Mr. Murray said.
“Canadians need a signal now – in particular
to help the private sector make investment decisions that take GHG
reductions into consideration. These decisions, affecting Canada’s
energy use and production infrastructure, are taken now, every day.
It is important to send the appropriate signal as soon as possible.
The longer we wait, the more difficult it will be.”
The full Advisory Report to the Minister of the Environment
is available at www.nrtee-trnee.ca/climate-solution-e
About the National Round Table on the Environment
and the Economy:
The National Round Table on the Environment and the
Economy (NRTEE), an independent federal agency, is dedicated to
exploring new opportunities to integrate environmental conservation
and economic development, in order to sustain Canada’s prosperity
and secure its future.
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For further information:
Ms. Kelly Bagg
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-947-0664
Cell: 613-447-8519
Fax: 613-992-7385
E-mail: baggk@nrtee-trnee.ca
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